He shook his head. “Carriage accident. Mrs. Finchley lost no time replacing her nurse, a position Martha was eager to take, what with the woman’s reputation of assisting fine ladies. But she was a curious sort, and she soon suspected that not all was right when Mrs. Finchley hired her only after assuring herself that Martha had no family or close friends. She even warned her against courting, but my work as a messenger never suited me for settling down. It was just as easy for me to meet Martha wherever she was than for us to make a home. She only went by Mrs. Brown at her employer’s insistence—made her sound more matureand capable.”
Elizabeth had been right. Darcy saw no satisfaction on her face, though—just voracious curiosity.
“Martha stole away for a couple of days. She learned about the first nurse and the accident, heard about the basket of blankets concealing a baby. When she met with me, she was more excited than I had ever seen her. She had a plan what would make our dreams a reality. No more riding at all hours in the rain and sleet for me; no more sleepless nights and agonizing days for her.” He looked up sheepishly. “She made a deal with Mrs. Finchley: her silence for a healthy allowance every month.”
Blackmail. As long as Mrs. Brown was in Mrs. Finchley’s employ, that would have added up to a heavy sum … and a firm motive. Years she had known, and she had said nothing. Years where his brother might have been restored to him, would never have been taken by pirates, would not have a price on his head or worry that his life would end at the end of a rope. Wrapping his arms over his chest, Darcy tried to tamper the bitterness rising within him. What Mrs. Brown had done was unconscionable.
Elizabeth’s words were sharp. “She blackmailed Mrs. Finchley until the midwife grew tired of paying? You suspect murder?”
“I do. I don’t know how, but I’m certain Mrs. Finchley is the reason Martha died.”
“What of the other snatched babies?” Miss Rothschild asked, her tone urgent, desperate.
Mr. Allan shook his head firmly. “Martha only knew of the one instance. She never would have gotten mixed up in that.”
Darcy was not so certain. And judging by the looks of everyone except Mr. Allan, they were not convinced of Mrs. Brown’s innocence either.
Elizabeth looked like she would spit daggers. Alex twirled her fingers in the ringlets nearest the knife hidden in her hair. Miss Rothschild’s cheeks were as red as her hair.
It was time to depart.
Mr. Bennet, who had been quietly observing the conversation, said, “You have been helpful, sir, and we thank you. Do you have any other observations or suspicions which might assist us regarding the other stolen children?”
“I do not, but I imagine the nurse Mrs. Finchley hired after Martha’s death is either a hard-hearted accomplice in her employer’s evil ways or is eager to be out from under her influence. You find her, you might get enough proof to send that murderer to—”Mr. Allan cleared his throat—“that place where people like her belong.”
“Do you know her name?” Uncle asked.
“Mrs. Bird.”
Mr. Bennet, being the only one whose voice was not choked with rage, bid their farewells and expressed what gratitude he could.
Another nurse?
On their way back to the carriages, Darcy asked Richard, “Did Mrs. Finchley not mention a third nurse?”
“She had no cause to, but the timing is right. Mrs. Brown died five years ago, and Mrs. Finchley only recently retired. As old as she is, she would require someone young and strong to help her.”
“We must return to London. We do not know where Mrs. Bird might be found, but it is time we paid a call on Mrs. Finchley,” said Uncle, his voice menacing.
CHAPTER 41
After two days of hurried travel, the sight of Gracechurch Street was a comfort to Elizabeth and her weary travel companions. Her father bore it well, but Elizabeth had noticed how much stiffer he walked with every change of the horses—and especially since Newberry.
Alexandra detested being cooped up, but she did not complain. Instead she sat silently stewing like a simmering pot ready to boil over.
Emily, who was kind enough to allow them the use of her well-cushioned, newly springed carriage, did her best to put everyone at ease, but she was tired, too.
Elizabeth did not wait for the footman to hand her out. Stretching her legs, she ran down the path and up the steps to her aunt and uncle’s waiting arms.
“Please, come inside and take some refreshment,” Aunt insisted.
“You must be exhausted and hungry, and we are anxious to hear your news,” Uncle added.
Aunt turned to Alexandra. “Edward said your ship will be uninhabitable for some time. We hope you will consider staying here as our guest. The children are eager to meet you.”
Emily said, “You are welcome to stay with me as well.”
Alexandra smiled for the first time that day. “I’ve never had so many people willin’ to show me hospitality.” Taking Emily’s hands, she said, “I thank ye for yer offer, but I feel I ought to stay with Lizzy.”
